Platen for vulcanizing presses and the like



Feb. 2 11926.,

J. F. NORTH PLATEN FORv/ULCANMING PRESSES AND THE LIKE Filed March 7. 1922 0 2 1111114 Il f www l l l l .111lll11l11ll1111111111111111111 llll 1111.,

Patented Feb.. 2, 1926.

Uurrsa STATESYPATENT ortica- -J". FRANK NORTH, OF ANSONIA, CONNECTICUT, ASSIGNOR T0 FARREL FOUNDRY S:

' I MACHINE COMPANY, 0F ANSONIA, CONNECTICUT.

YLATEN FOR VULCANIZING PRESSES AND THE LIKE.

Application mea March 7, 1922. seriarno. 541,839.

following is a-ull, clear, and exact descrip-v tion.

rlhis invention relates to platens for vulranizing presses and theI like and` more par ticularly, lo those which are heated by steam circulating therein l'or bringing the work tothe required temperature ilor vulcani'v/iing. llatens or plates ol? this kind are, however, used in connection' with hydraulic and other presses tor controlling the temperature of the work, either by the. circulation ot steam or the like l`or heating or by the circulation of a 'cooling Huid, such as cold water, for cooling. as required by the nature ot the operation being performed, and I do not limit myselt| therefore to the use of any spe cial fluid.

One ot the primary objects of my invention is to provide a platen wherein a relatively long and circnitous interior passage or duct lor, the tempe 'ature controlling fluid may he provided in an economic-al manner and with certain resultant superiorities in the platen itselt'. In this connection, it is aimed to produce a platen with a4 circulating passage or passages formed otherwise than by casting, which latter method has certain manutacturing disadvantages owing to the diiculty ol properly forming the circuitous passage by means of cores and then withdrawing the core material from the plate. My invention contemplates, on the other hand, the production of a plate of this character which may be. readily produced from a plain rolledv plate by drilling, milling or cutting and welding operations performed by tools in common use in a machine Shop; and my improved platen or vplate is ot such a character` that simple. operations of this kind will enable a very satisfactory article, leak-proof, light in weight and comparatively inexpensive, to be made on a quantity production basis.

Another object of the invention is to turnish a platen of. steel or like metal which is comparatively thin, but lis neverthelessl provided in a convenient manner with an interior heating or cooling passage having a iannparatively lar-ge number of bends through which the temperature controlling tluid is conducted in a satisfactory manner without likelihood ot' clogging.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method of manufacturing plates ot the character abofve mentioned.

To these and other ends, the invention consists in the novel features and steps hereinafter described and claimed.

ln the accompanying-` drawings: l

-Fig. 1 is a front elevation ot' a hydraulic press equipped with platens of my .invention;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged top plan View of one of the platens partially broken away;

Fig. 2A shows a portion o Fig. 2 on a still larger scale; l

Fig. 3 is an edge View ot the plate; y

Fig. 4 is a section on line 4-fl of: Fig. 2; and Y Fig. 5 is a` detail section on line 5-5 of Fig. 2.

In Fig. 1, I have shown a hydraulic, press equipped with platens 10, 11 and 12, which are'mounted in the press in the customary manner, being interposed between the upper end of a ram 13 and the head 14 which is supported by theguide rods 15. Where the press is intended :tor if'ulcanizing purposes, for example, these platens, which are arranged to contact with the molds, are heated by steam. for which purpose they are provided with intcrior steam passages as herein after described and are interconnected by flexible tubes 1G and 17 so that the steam passes through them successively, -as custom ary in devices of this character.

In constructing the platen, I take a Vrolled steel plate 18 of generally rectangular or other suitable shape and which is co1nparatively thin and drill the` same edgewise so as to forni a plurality of parallel bores or ducts 19 that traverse the plate throughout its width, extending to opposite edges thereof. l. then provide for the closing oll' of the bores at the plate edges ande for the creation of communicating passagesbetween certain adjacent enrdflof contiguous bores so as to lcreate a sirl lcircuitons passage. For

.this purpose the, edges of the plate are cnt away, as shown at 20, and the cut away edge portions thus formed are then partially filled in by closure members 2l. Preferably thecut away parts 2O are formed by milling, as the desired result may bevery conveniently bron ht about in this manner, and preferably tie milling tool cuts a groove in the adige or the plate which is in the form of a segment of a circle, into-the side portions of whichl segment two adja- 'cent bores i9 debouch. Furthermore, where the groove forming the interconnecting passage is of segmental sha e, the chord of the segment is preferably s ightly longer than the distance V between the outer sides of the adjacent bores, as shown in Fig. 2^. The closure 21 preferably consists of a steel strip or elongated plate of a length substantially equal to the distance between the outer sides of the adjacent bores. This strip is fitted lengthwise in the groove, it being of about the same width as said groove, and at its ends itengages the curved' Wall of the groove at' the lower corners of said strip (FigQA), while the outer face of the strp `is substantially flush with the correspon' ing edge face of the plate. By .making the groove somewhat longer than the strip, as described, and providing a strip with substzin'tially squared oil? ends, wedge shaped cavities 22 are created for facilitating the connection of the stripfto the plate in their proper relative positions by 'welding'. The strip, being properly placed in the groove, it is a comparatively easy matter to Weld the ends of the strip to the plate by owing molten steel into the Wedge shaped cavities heretofore mentioned, which molten'steel then solidiies to `torin a strong and lealeproof welded joint 23 at each end of the strip.

.At its sides the stripl 21 may be likewise Welded to the plate in a manner substan tially similar to that just described. For this purpose the side faces of the strip El, in

steed of being perpendicular to the bottomA faces, are bevelied in an inward and upward direction, as shown in Fig. 5, so as to present wedge sha ed cavities for material 24:, thus 'orming e'iective weide joints, co-extensive with the side faces ot the strip, substantially similar to the welded joints which are cti-extensive *withv the respectivc ends oi' the strip, as previously described. i

By proceeding in the manner above described, a very effective and satisfactoryl communicating passage is provided between being substantially .two adjacent bores, the juncture between each bore and the communicating passage at an angle yto the axis. facilitate the passage of 'temperature controlling the communicating pasparticular instance, is middle than at 'the to la it understood of the bore so as to t e steam or other fluid into and out of sage which, in this of greater depth ends, although l y passages between adjacentv I bores may welding- Levites that it is not necessary, in all cases, to form the cut interconnectin' twol bores, in a segmental form, nor to produce the same in all cases by milling, as various changes ma be made in these respects without sacrificing the advantages or' the invention.

VIt will be apparent also that l do not limit myself in all aspects of the invention to the employment of Welded joints formed in Ithe particular manner' described, as it will be manifest that if wedge shaped recesses for the weldingr material are to be employed, they may be produced in other ways While eiecting substantially the same result. For example, instead of bevelling or chamfering the side faces of the strip 21, the same may be left perpendicular to the bottom face and wedge shaped recesses formed by bevelling or chamfenng the side faces of the y proceeding, however, in the `general manner herein 'describedylcommunicating be readily and conveniently formed and the bores'shut oil in leak 'roof fashion from the cut away edge portion of the plate, by

fitting in suitable closure members/partially .filling the cut away portions and then suitably securing the closure members vto the plate.

The procedure is very simple and the operations of such a characterl as to en able the plate or platen to be reduced in large quantities at comparative y small expense.

ln the-particular form shown, the inlet for the temperature controlling iluid enters one ot the end bores 19 at the side, as shown, for example, at 25, the extremity of such bore adjacent such inlet being closed by a suitable 'screw threaded plug 26. The outlet QT--may be provided in a similarA relation to. the bore i9 at Athe of the plate, such last named bore being closed at its extremity by a simi-lar. screw threaded plug 28. Considerable, variation 'may be made, however, vin such details, without 'digressing fronr my tinvent-iveidea as.

opposite end lt v'vill be obvious, furtherf. more, that in the broadV aspects ott the in-4 :naar

vention, l de not limit niysell" 'to a constructionin which' the edge of the plate is out away at a plurality et spaced locations,-

'subsequently eut oil' in a suitable manner, .and even this procedure might be unnecessary in all cases, provided the hollow platen were so constructed as to be substantial-ly fluid-tight, when iinished, at those places Where it is desirable to have it so.

What l claim is: 1. A platen for presses and the like, adapted to .be heated or cooled by, an in teriorly circulating lluid, and composed ol a rolled steel. plate havin@r a plurality of suitably interconnected bri led bores, forniu ing a sinuous duct, the passages interconnecting adjacent bores being; formed by recesses cut through opposite edges of the plate, but shut oil from the exterior of the plate, andsaid bores terminated at passages.

2. A platen for the purpose described, comprising a comparatively thin plate having a plurality ci substantially parallel bores drilled therein substantially across the Width of the plate, the opposite edges ot" the plate being recessed from the sur 'face thereof r4to torn= interconnecting pasl sages between adjacent bores at `the extremel ends thereof, and mcansf'to closetlie mouths of the recesses.

3. A platen Jifor the purpose described, comprising a coinparatiyely thin plate hath ing a plurality oi substantially parallel vbores drilled therein substantially across the Width of the. plate, and the metal of said plate, at the edges'tliereof, being' cut away to form interconnecting passages between adjacent bores, and means l'or cutting oil' said passages from the exterior ofthe plate, said bores and' passages forming in conjunction, a single, long, circuitous passage for a temperature controlling fluid.

4. A platen for the purpose described, comprising a platehaving a plurality of parallel bores extendingsubstantially across .the same, the opposite edges of the plate being recessed from the surface thereof, the ends 4of the adjacent bores terminating in the .recesses so that interconnecting passages are created therebetween, and ineens for closing the months of said recesses 5. A platen for the purpose described, comprising a plate having a pair el. bores extending substantially to one edge thereof, the edge of said plate being cut away to form a passage interconnecting said bores in a transverse direction, and means lo- 'cated Within a portion of the cut away part of the plate to close oli the bores and i the 1nterconnecting passage from 'the exterior o the plete.

Said

il.. it platen for the purpose descr: comprising a' plaie, having a pair l'J le extending substantially to one edge there of, said plate being. cut away to forni a passage -1ntereoninrtine' said bores in a transverse direction, and means located with in ,a portion of the cut away part et the plate to close oill the bores and 'the inter connecting passage Ifrom the exterior et 'the plate, said means comprising inetal strip suitably secured in. the cut away part,

'i'. A platen orthe purpose described, comprising a plalo, haring 'apair ol'- bor-cs extending subst4 tia-lig' to one edge. there ot', said plate being' cut away to forni a passage interconnecting said bores in a, transverse direction, and rneane located within e, portion olf the cut away part of the plate to cut oll the bores and the interconnecting passage from the exterior et the plate, said last named ineens comprising); a metal strip vwelded to tlieplate in the cut away part thereof. i

8. A. metal plate having a plurality of drilled bores extending across-the saine, said vplate cut away at' opposite edges to torni passages interconnectino' certain adjacent bores, and metallic mem ers in si id out Aaway portions at the edges ot the plate and Welded therein. y

9. A metal plate having a, plurality ot substantially parallel hores'drilied therein substantially across the width el the plate, .the edge portions of the plate between adjacent bores being out away to torni. inter connecting passages, and means to cover said passages to close there ed from the ezt-- terior of the plate.

l0. A inetai plate having'- a groove 'in the edge thereof, drilled bores communicating liti@ therewith, a closure strip set in said groove, I

said groove and strip being so formed as to present in conjunction a Wedge shaped cess, and Welding material lilling said recess and securing the stri to the platem 1l. A. metal plate having a plurality et substantially parallel bores drilled therein substantially across the Width oli' the plate, the edge portions of the plate being cut away te forni interconnecting passages, and metal strips set in the cut away `portiers solistentially 'Hush with the correspoxnliup,v edges ot the plate and secured thereto.

i 12. The method of making a platen or the like, which comprises drilliinr in a suite able plate a plurality ot substantially parallol bores extendingl across the saine, cutting away the metal between certain adjacent bores to forni connecting passages and then partially lilling,r the cntaway vortions.

lll. 'lhe method of making a plate having a circuitous passage in the plane thereof, which comprises boringa plate with a, lplurality of parallel bores extending across the same, notcliinggl Vhe plate at the edges tloereoie lill a l 'Larmes with notches o'fless thickness tllsn the plate, between thefadjacent ends of certain ores, and tl'lenillin'g-l the mouths of the nctches.

' 3:4. The method of making a metal-plate having a` circ'uit'ous passage in the plane thereof, whlch'comprises boring a plate With'- aplnrality of parallel bores extending across the same, grooving opposite edges of the plate. to ormconnecting passages and then.

. edges of theplate between the adjacent ends ot' certain bores toprovide notches communicating with adjacent bores, and then Weld ing closnre Vmemlners in the mouths of the notches. .g

17. The method of making av plate such as described, which comprises drilling a plate to form bores extending substantially to an edge of the plate, cutting away the edge portion to connect the bores, and partially filling the cut away edge portion.

18. The method of making a steamheated platen or similar article, which comprises boring a plate with a pair of bores, cutting' away the plate to form a recess connecting said. bores, and then Welding a closure member in the mouth of the recess.

. 19. A hot plate for presses which com' prises a forged steel plate having a pluralityof symmetrical parallel ducts drilled therein, passageway/s connecting adjacent ducts at alternate ends, said passageways being sealed by marginal closures welded in place.

20. A hot plate forpresses which com prises a metallic plate having a plurality of symmetrical; parallel ducts drilled therein, passageways connecting adjacent ducts at alternate ends, said passageways being sealed by marginal closures welded in place.

21. A platen for presses or the like, adapted to be heated or cooled hy an interiorly circulating fluid, said platen comprising a plate provided with a plurality of drilled bores having their ends terminating in recesses at the edges of the plate and means for closing the mouths of said recesses.

22. A. platen for presses or the like, adapted to be heated or cooled by an interiorly circulating fluid, said platen comprising a plate provided with a plurality of drilled hores, said hores being suitably interconnected by cut away edge portions 'of the plate, and means for closing oli said cut away portions from the edge of the plate.

23. A metal plate having a plurality of drilled bores extending. across the same, the

.metal between said bores being cut away at the-,edges of the plate to form intenccnnectn ing`l passages, and'means for covering said passages and the ends of the adjacent bores to form a sinuous .duct through the plate closed olf from the edges thereof.

-ln witness whereof, I have hereunto set my hand on the Lith day of March, 1922.

J. FRANK nearer. 

